1888 Minneapolis Revisited The Beginning of the Satanic Spirit in Adventism

1
1888 Minneapolis Revisited--The Beginning of the
Satanic Spirit in Adventism

• Pastor Idel Suarez, Jr., Ph.D.
• Sacramento, CA
• August 21, 2006

2
Hosea 46

• My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge
  because thou has rejected knowledge, I will also
  reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me
  seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I
  will also forget thy children.

• God rejects those who reject new knowledge
• He also forgets those who forget his law
• Even ministers and an entire denomination can be
  rejected or forgotten because of those two
  apostasy positions

3
1888 Nevada Conference(held before Minneapolis
conference)
4
1888 Materials

• She wrote so much on 1888
• It was all compiled into 4 big type-written
  volumes
• Includes letters, diaries, and notes of her
  visions and experiences regarding the 1888
  Minneapolis Conference

5
General Conference Bulletinvolume 2

• The General Conference Daily Bulletin summarizes
  the events of the Minneapolis conference on a
  daily basis
• It is available free at www.adventistarchives.org
• Members employed by the General Conference were
  automatic delegates
• S.N. Haskell was elected as chairperson on the
  first days proceedings

6
R. DeWitt Hottels 1888 Diary--Delegate from
Virginia

• The Bible Institute and General Conference
  Sessions took place at the new SDA Minneapolis
  Church
• Located at the corner of 4th Avenue and 13th
  Street
• 91 delegates present
• Jones and Smith spoke on the 10 toes
• Waggoner and Morrison spoke on the law of
  Galatians

7
1888 General Conference Sessionat Minneapolis
8
Some Statistics 1888

• World Membership was 25,841.
• 27th Annual Session of the General Conference.
• Started on October 17, 1888.
• Ended on November 4th, 188814 days of
  deliberation.

9
Relevant Facts on 1888

• 100 ministers present
• Latter Rain would have been poured out
• Sunday Law Amendment was in Congress
• Bible Institute held before the Conference
• Three groups were formed
• Neutral-undecided
• Opposed the message
• Accepted the message

• Themes addressed were
• Predestination
• 10 Toes of Daniel 2 (Alemani vs. Huns)
• Law in Galatians
• Justification by faith
• Divinity of Christ
• Sunday Law
• Church State
• Temperance
• Administrative Issues
• Source of the Satanic Spirit in Adventism

10
Spirited Debate on Day 1

• Uriah Smith spoke on the Huns as one of the
  tribes of Daniel 2
• A spirited discussion was held at the conclusion
  of the remarks, in which a number of delegates
  participated.

11
A Call to Abandon Prejudice on Day 2

• E. J. Waggoner gave a study on Galatians showing
  the law and the gospel.
• He said, that the key to the book is
  justification by faith in Christ.
• Appeals were made by Brother Waggoner and Sister
  White to the brethren, old and young, to seek
  God, to put away all spirit of prejudice and
  opposition, and strive to come into unity of the
  faith

12
International Missionary Societypresent in 1888

• At the General Conference of 1888, a special
  organization was reorganized
• It was called by different names, one of which
  was International Missionary Society
• They finally accepted the name as International
  Tract and Missionary Society

13
Satanic Work Started at Minneapolis

• The perils of the last days are upon us. Read
  Matt. 2514.
• Satan takes the control of every mind that is
  not decidedly under the control of the Spirit of
  God. Some have been cultivating hatred against
  the men whom God has commissioned to bear a
  special message to the world.
• They began this Satanic work at Minneapolis.
  Afterward, when they saw and felt the
  demonstration of the Holy Spirit, testifying that
  the message was of God, they hated it the more,
  because it was a testimony against them. They
  would not humble their hearts to repent, to give
  God the glory, and vindicate the right. They went
  on in their own spirit, filled with envy,
  jealousy, and evil surmisings, as did the Jews.
  They opened their hearts to the enemy of God and
  man.
• Yet these men have been holding positions of
  trust, and have been molding the work after their
  own similitude, as far as they possibly could. .
  . . PH154 22.2,23

14
Elder George I. Butler--1888 Outgoing G.C.
President

• He was absent due to health reasons
• Sent regular telegrams to the delegates to hold
  on to the old landmarks
• Had written a book on Galatians maintaining the
  ceremonial law view point

15
Butler vs. Waggoner on the Book of Galatians
1886
1888
16
Unbelief was King at Minneapolis

• There is not one bit of savor in such a faith,
  and the faith of Elder Butler is of the same
  order, valueless, having no savor, I count
  nothing upon you or him to harmonize with me in
  my work given me of God.Manuscript Releases,
  volume 17, page 183.

• Elder Butler has sent me a long letter, a most
  curious production of accusations and charges
  against me, but these things do not move
  me.Letter 81, 1888, IN E. G. White, volume 3,
  page 38.
• It was a 39 page dictated letter accusing Sister
  White of his illness.

17
Elder Uriah SmithThe Leader of the Opposition

• 1888 Outgoing Secretary of the General Conference
• Past Treasurer of the General Conference
• Editor of the Review and Herald
• Author of the Book Daniel and Revelation
• Espoused arianism
• Leader of the opposition

(1832-1903)
18
Accused Sister White of Being Influenced

• Elder Smith Do you refuse to fall on the rock?
  If so, there is not the slightest assurance in
  your case that you will ever recover yourself out
  of the snare of the devil.
• Your attitude has encouraged a state of things in
  our churches which you have not measured. The
  result of your course and your working on the
  same line since you left Minneapolis has made the
  carrying out of the work given me of God to do
  fifty fold harder than it need to have been.
• You have barred my way, but O, how little did you
  know the real result of your work. This has been
  opened before me.
• When you have stated that Sr. White was
  influenced by W. C. W., A. T. Jones, and E. J.
  Waggoner, you have planted in hearts infidelity
  that has been nourished and has borne fruit. You
  will not be pleased to reap the harvest. Satan
  takes everything of this character and makes it a
  living active agent in destroying faith in the
  very work the Lord would have them to do.
• Every soul that fully takes your words and
  believes them are correctly represented by the
  words of Christ, "I would that thou were either
  cold or hot, so then because that thou art
  lukewarm, I will spew thee out of my mouth."
  Decided opposition would have done me less
  harm.Manuscript Releases, volume 17, p. 183.

19
Elder Smith had so much influence

• What better course to please the enemy and grieve
  the spirit of God could be pursued then that
  which than that which has been pursued by you, my
  brother, a teacher in Israel.
• You have had quite a number fully engaged with
  you in the work, men in responsible positions,
  presidents of conferences, ministers and workers,
  that have formed a confederacy to question, to
  criticize--Manuscript Release, volume 17, page.
  183.

20
Deceptions of the Last Days Would Overcome them!

• The position these men have occupied and the
  influence this position had given them has caused
  many to doubt, who will never be settled again
  and the deceptions and delusions of these last
  days will overcome them, because heaven's divine
  illumination is powerless to set them in order
  for they have decided from the example given
  them.

• They will say, "O, Sr. White is influenced. Some
  one has told her these things. If Elder Smith who
  knows all about the testimonies says this is only
  her own opinion and her own judgment, and he does
  not accept the teachings of the testimonies, and
  he is such a good man, I will follow his example
  and I will risk it.Manuscript Releases, volume
  17, page 183.

21
Dr. Kellogg lectured on Temperance

• The best authorities in the world agree that the
  highest degree of health can be maintained
  without a flesh diet at all.
• At least nine-tenths of the people in the world
  do not eat flesh.
• Vinegar is worst than alcohol.
• October 27, 1888, lecture given by Dr. J.H.
  Kellogg and published in GCB volume 2, no. 8, p.
  3.

22
Temperance Resolutions

• We protest against the manufacturing and sale of
  all spiritous and malt liquors, and in discarding
  the use of tea, coffee, opium, and tobacco, and
  we urge upon all people the importance of these
  principles.
• But was lost by a thin vote.
• GCB, volume 2, no. 5, p. 1 no. 6, p. 1.

• Resolved That we request state conferences at
  each of their annual meetings to give time
  equivalent to one hour a day to the health and
  temperance work.GCB, vol. 2, no. 11, p. 3.
• Dr. E. J. Waggoner from the committee on
  resolutions, we are Prohibitionists, but not
  partisan Prohibitionists.

23
Elder Robert Mead Kilgorea delegate and
Conference worker

• Brother_____, who first spoke in decided,
  unqualified language, deplored the introduction
  of the subject of the law in Galatians.
• There were many things said which astonished me,
  both by Elder Kilgore and Elder Smith. These men
  were speaking these things before a mixed
  congregation. The house was full. And these were
  the ones who felt that it was not the thing to do
  to bring this subject for investigation before
  any but the ministering brethren!Manuscript
  Releases, vol 9, page 221.

(1839-1912)
24
She wanted to leave Minneapolis

• As I saw that the hearts with which I longed to
  be in harmony were padlocked by prejudice and
  unbelief, I thought best for me to leave them.
• My purpose was to go from Minneapolis the first
  of the week.
• Brother Kilgore came with a request that I should
  speak the next day, but I said, "No, my brother,
  I can say nothing that many of my ministering
  brethren consider to be of any value to them. I
  must not work and exhaust my strength needlessly.
• I must go away and see what the Lord has for me
  to do elsewhere, for I know I have a message to
  bear to His people." 12MR 205.1

25
Elder O.A. Olsen--1888 Incoming G.C. President

• Was not present at the 1888 Conference
• Wanted to please all
• Took a neutral-middle position to win over the
  opposition
• Ended up on the side of the opposition
• Was GC President for nine years (1888-1897)

(1845-1915)
26
Elder Olsen Ensared

• When Elder Olsen linked himself with these men,
  he perverted his spiritual eyesight, and saw
  things in a strange light. He knew that they were
  resisting the Spirit of God, but thought that by
  uniting with them he could convert them. The
  result has been contrary to this for to a large
  degree they have converted him. His clear
  discernment between right and wrong has become
  injured. 17MR 182.1
• From the beginning of his work as president of
  the General Conference, Elder Olsen's policy has
  been a mistake. Instead of upholding that which
  he knew to be according to the law of God,
  instead of standing firmly as a faithful guardian
  for those holy trusts which would keep the great
  heart of the work pure at any apparent expense or
  financial loss, he has tried to occupy a position
  on both sides. He has not been altogether in
  harmony with the men I have referred to, but so
  much so that Satan has stolen a march upon him.
  Unconsciously he has been ensnared, and his
  principles of integrity and purity have been
  corrupted. God has been dishonored, and His
  Spirit has been grieved. 17MR 182.2

27
Elder Isaac Doren Van Horn--1888 Delegate

• President of the Michigan Conference
• Past treasurer of the General Conference
• Converted A.T. Jones
• Was prominent in making jest, sarcasm, and
  merriment of E. G. White, E. J. Waggoner, and
  A.T. Jones
• Was led by a Satanic Spirit

(1834-1910 )
28
Letter to Elder I.D. Van HornSouls would be lost.

• I was led from room to room occupied by our
  brethren at that meeting the 1888 G.C. Session
  at Minneapolis, and heard that of which every
  one will one day be terribly ashamed, if it is
  not until the judgment, when every work will
  appear in its true light. In the room occupied by
  you there was a Witness, and in the rooms of
  others there was a Witness to every remark made,
  --the ungodly jest, the satire, the sarcasm, the
  wit the Lord God of heaven was displeased with
  you, and with every one who shared in the
  merriment, and in the hard, unimpressible spirit.
  
• An influence was exerted that was Satanic. Some
  souls will be lost in consequence.--Letter 61,
  1893, pp. 3, 4. (To Elder I. D. Van Horn, January
  20, 1893.) 8MR 23.1

29
Harmon Lindsay--1888 Delegate

• Past and Incoming Treasurer of the General
  Conference (1874-1875 1888-1893)
• Also served as treasurer of the Review and Herald
  Publishing Association
• Left the SDA Church and joined the Christian
  Scientists

Source SDA Bible Commentary, vol 10
(1835-1919)
30
Satan Took Possession of the minds of the
Delegates of 1888

• When men like A.R. Henry and Harmon Lindsay
  refuse to be worked by the Holy Spirit, and yet
  consent to accept important responsibilities,
  Satan takes possession of their minds, and plans
  and devises for them.
• When these men entered upon this work, they did
  not foresee the results, but step by step has
  been taken under the generalship of Satanic
  agencies, who knew from the beginning what the
  results would be.
• Had they kept in touch with the divine character,
  they would not have done the work they have done,
  but while at Minneapolis they both closed their
  eyes to the light, and padlocked their hearts
  against evidence, in order that the Holy Spirit
  might not find entrance and their course has
  testified to the result. 1888 1577.2, 1578

31
The 1888 Pharisees

• W.C. White wrote to O.A. Olsen on November 29,
  1888
• In many respects this conference was a peculiar
  one.
• Certain influences had been working for some time
  which culminated at this meeting in manifestation
  of a spirit of Pharisaism. So mother named it.

32
Professor Alonso T. Jones

• A professor of history
• Tall, naturally abrupt, and had a singularity of
  speech and manner
• Had uncouth posturing and gesters
• Largely self-taughtE.G. White Biography, volume
  3, page 394.
• Debated fiercely with Smith on the toes of Daniel
  2

33
Dr. Elliot J. Waggoner

• He was both a minister and a doctor
• He was short and stocky but full of learning
• He gave numerous lectures on the law in
  Galatians.
• He presented the theme on justification by faith
• He spoke in favor of the divinity of Christ.

34
Dr. Elliot J. Waggoner

• Elder Waggoner had taken a straightforward
  course, not involving personalities, to thrust
  anyone or to ridicule anyone.
• He conducted the subject as a Christian gentleman
  should in a kind and courteous manner.
• This was acknowledged to be the case by those
  who were holding opposite views.Manuscript
  Releases, vol. 9, p. 221.

35
E.G. White on Waggoners interpretation of
Galatians

• My guide stretched out his arms toward Dr.
  Waggoner and Butler Neither have all the light
  upon the law neither position is perfect.Letter
  21, 1888.

• Some interpretations of Scripture given by Dr.
  Waggoner, I do not regard as correct
• Yet it would be dangerous to denounce Dr.
  Waggoners position as wholly erroneous. MS 15,
  1888.

36
False Accusations Hurled

• The delegates accused Sister White of being
  influenced and conspiring with W.C. White, Dr.
  E.J. Waggoner, and A.T. Jones.

37
Gods Servants Ridiculed

• The servants, whom the Lord sent, were
  caricatured, ridiculed, and placed in a
  ridiculous light. The comment of words passed
  upon me and the work that God had given me to do
  was anything but flattering. Willie White's name
  was handled freely and he was ridiculed and
  denounced, also the names of Elders Jones and
  Waggoner. 12MR 15.2

• I was represented as telling things untrue, when
  I made the statement that not a word of
  conversation had passed between me and Brethren
  Jones and Waggoner nor my son Willie upon the law
  in Galatians.... They thought we all came to the
  conference with a perfect understanding and an
  agreement to make a stand on the law in
  Galatians. 12MR 15.3

38
Sister E. G. White--She saw the Future Crisis

• Wanted to leave the meetings
• Recognized 1888 as a rebellion
• Declared that the Spirit of Satan entered in
  Minneapolis Conference
• It was like denying and crucifying Christ
• She thought of the future crisis!

39
1888 Nazareth Assassination Attempt

• On many occasions the Holy Spirit did work but
  those who resisted the Spirit of God at
  Minneapolis were waiting for a chance to travel
  over the same ground again, because their spirit
  was the same.
• But all the universe of heaven witnessed the
  disgraceful treatment of Jesus Christ,
  represented by the Holy Spirit. Had Christ been
  before them, they would have treated him in a
  manner similar to that in which the Jews treated
  Christ. SpTA06 19.2,20

40
Destroy the Son of God

• Many were drawn into this snare by the
  misrepresentation of others, knowing not what
  they were doing, not understanding what they were
  stirred up about.
• A bewitching power attends all rebellion of
  whatever order.
• After they had taken the position with the more
  responsible ones in attempting to destroy the Son
  of God after His discourse at Nazareth, they
  would not repent and retract.12MR 20.1

41
The Call to Reform

• Since the time of the Minneapolis meeting, I have
  seen the state of the Laodicean Church as never
  before. RH, August 26, 1890 par. 4
• Yet Elder Smith said, this was not reform, but
  tearing up of the old truth.Elder Hottels
  Diary, Monday, October 15, 1888.

42
She thought of the Reformers

• I could but have a vivid picture in my mind from
  day to day of the way reformers were treated, how
  slight difference of opinion seemed to create a
  frenzy of feeling.
• Thus it was in the betrayal, trial, and
  crucifixion of Jesus--all this had passed before
  me point by point.
• The Satanic spirit took control and moved with
  power upon the human hearts that had been opened
  to doubts and to bitterness, wrath and hatred.
  All this was prevailing in that meeting.
• I decided to leave the meeting, leave
  Minneapolis. I refused to speak again to our
  people, but consented to speak to the
  Scandinavians.

43
1888 was a Rebellion

• Voices that I was surprised to hear were joining
  this rebellion and those with whom I had labored
  in past years, without any evidence or any sure
  knowledge of any change in Sister White, were
  hard, bold, and decided in denouncing her.
• And of all those so free and forward with their
  cruel words, not one had come to me and inquired
  if these reports and their suppositions were
  true. I was represented as telling things
  untrue--Manuscript Releases, volume 12, page 15.3

44
Nearly All Rejected the Message

• That which was presented to me at Minneapolis
  opened to me the true state of many conference
  workers....
• I told them plainly that the position and work
  God gave me at that conference was disregarded by
  nearly all. Rebellion was popular. Their course
  was an insult to the Spirit of God. 12MR 19.2,
  19.3

45
Not One Made Full Repentance

• Who of those that acted a part in the meeting at
  Minneapolis have come to the light and received
  the rich treasurers of truth which the Lord sent
  them from heaven?
• Who have made full confession of their mistaken
  zeal, their blindness, their jealousies and evil
  surmisings, their defiance of truth?
• Not one and because of their long neglect to
  acknowledge the light, it has left them E.G.
  White, 1888 Materials, pages 1067, 1068.

46
The Future (1914) Crisis Predicted

• After hearing what I did my heart sank within me.
  I had never pictured before my mind what
  dependence we might place in those who claim to
  be friends, when the spirit of Satan finds
  entrance to their hearts.

• I thought of the future crisis, and feelings that
  I can never put into words for a little time
  overcame me. Mark 139, 12 quoted. 12MR
  16.1Reflections on the Minneapolis Conference.

47
Elder Arthur G. Daniells--G. C. President
1901-1922

• Led out as President in the meetings at
  Minneapolis in 1917
• Was responsible for the new position on
  noncombatancy and engaging in war

48
29 Years Later at Minneapolis

• The General Conference met with the North
  American Division in exactly the same place as in
  1888
• They granted liberty of conscience to go to war
• They claimed they had unity in their meetings and
  spoke much of religious libertyRH November 15,
  1917.

49
Elder Irwin H. Evans--President of the North
American Division

• Fulfilled the prediction of Testimonies for the
  Church volume 5, page 712.
• He cited Romans 131-4 as an excuse to go to war.

50
Prophecy Fulfilled

• Paul wrote in his epistle to the Romans, Let
  every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For
  there is no power but of God the powers that be
  are ordained of God . . . . Render therefore to
  all their dues
• It is quite probable that some of our young men
  will be called to serve their country.
• While we earnestly hope that they will be
  exempted from bearing of arms, they will be
  required to serve in other capacities.RH June 7,
  1917.

51
Constantine the Great

• I.H. Evans admitted later in 1935 that early
  Christians did not enter the military
• He claimed that it wasnt until Constantine that
  Christians joined the military went to war
• Ironically, Constantine was responsible for the
  first Civil Sunday Law

52
SDAs went as Medics and Combatants to World War I
World War I Soldiers reading their Bibles.
53
Seventh Day Adventists Go to War

• They broke the Sabbath
• They transgressed the 6th commandment
• They took on the military uniform and banner
• They were co decorated by worldly powers
• They fought in France

54
What did Jesus say?

• Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world
  if my kingdom were of this world, then would my
  servants fight, that I should not be delivered to
  the Jews but now is my kingdom not from hence.
  John 1836.

55
Pauls Letter to Corinth on War

• For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war
  after the flesh (For the weapons of our warfare
  are not carnal, but mighty through God to the
  pulling down of strong holds) Casting down
  imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth
  itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing
  into captivity every thought to the obedience of
  Christ.II Corinthians 103-5.

56
Present Site of Minneapolis 1888 General
Conference Session

• In the same street corner where the message of
  justification by faith was presented in 1888,
• Was converted by 1988 to an adult book store
  where pornographic items are sold.
• Is this not an allegory of the fornication of
  Revelation 18?

57
The End